A person attempting to break into a William Way residence evaded capture Wednesday afternoon, according to the Wyckoff Police Department. 

The person tried to break in through the front door of the home at approximately 1:45 p.m., unaware that residents were in the house. The would-be burglar was chased down the street by one of the residents of the home, police said.

Numerous police officers from Wyckoff, surrounding towns, and a Bergen County K9 unit scoured the area but were unable to locate anyone.  

The attempted burglary is just one of several area incidents in recent months that share a proximity to major highways as a common factor. 

In late January Ridgewood-Glen Rock Patch reported two burglaries in Ridgewood near Route 17 and an attempted burglary in Glen Rock near Route 208.

Earlier in January, a trio of burglaries in Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff occurred just minutes apart.

In each of the burglaries or attempted burglaries near major highways, the burglars avoided police custody.

Local police have investigated connections between the burglaries, but have yet to make any arrests related to these cases.

Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox said that over the years a number of "homes adjacent to the highway have been hit."

"Burglars are driven by quick escape," Fox said, adding that they often work in pairs — one operating an escape vehicle while the other enters the home. 

"We don't know statistically where they've been," Fox said. "But any proximity to the highway can be problematic."

The best thing residents and neighbors can do to prevent burglaries is call 911 if they notice a suspicious vehicle.

"We tell people to call us about suspicious cars," Fox said. "Ninety-nine times out of a 100 it's nothing, but it doesn't hurt to call."

Investigations in both towns are ongoing.